IB91W - Operations Management

Module content and teaching

Principal aims

The core activity of any organisation is its operations, and the performance of the organisation is determined by how well these operations are managed. This course aims to address the decisions managers need to make about operations design and management, and to sensitise students to the strategic power of operations and the opportunities for creating sustainable competitive advantage through effective operations. The course provides conceptual, analytical and practical insights into the management of service and manufacturing operations, in both the private and public sectors. It assumes no prior knowledge.

Principal learning outcomes

Subject Knowledge and Understanding: Demonstrate an understanding of the main critical works in operations management; Understand the organisational and strategic context within which operations managers function; Understand processes, their design and management; Understand product and service design; Demonstrate an understanding of concepts relating to the management of supply and demand in operations networks; Demonstrate an understanding of principles and methods used in the improvement of product and service operations. Cognitive Skills: Analyse case studies or research results to propose potential business solutions as they relate to operations management; Challenge the concepts and models presented on the course. Subject - specific/ professional skills: Demonstrate an awareness of practical managerial issues in operations management, as well as some generic solutions; Ability to apply concepts and techniques in a variety of settings and for a range of products and services. Key Skills: Demonstrate problem solving skills developed through analysing research papers and business problems in case studies; Demonstrate oral communication skills developed through group presentations; Demonstrate written communication skills in the examination .